by Jena Hilliard | ❘
Instagram has become the largest marketplace for new wellness and dietary supplements, prompting a number of Cannabis companies to turn to social media influencers to endorse their CBD products. Countless celebrities have taken to Instagram and posted stories and pictures promoting the “natural remedy alternative,” and as of recent, so has 22-year-old billionaire cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner.
This past month, Jenner promoted the hemp CBD-infused weight loss supplement, “Happy Tea,” to her 139 million followers in a bikini-clad Instagram post. Happy Tea is a new product from the familiar “Fit Tea Detox” tea company that the Kardashian/Jenner clan frequently partners with. Michael Gonzales, founder of the $75 million Fit Tea brand, has long used celebrity endorsement as a strategic component to bring international attention to the brand. Although Jenner has promoted the Fit Tea brand in the past, she had not joined in marketing the CBD industry until this post.
Happy Tea is a CBD-laced beverage that claims to help users relieve anxiety and boost mental health. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a chemical compound which is found in the cannabis plant. It’s a natural substance that is often used in products such as oils or edibles to induce a feeling of calm and relaxation. CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t have the psychological effects associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), such as euphoria.
However, it’s undetermined if Happy Tea can deliver the stress, anxiety, and inflammation relief that it promises. Regardless of the effectiveness of the product, Jenner is a fan, and this can undeniably be contributed to the money she’s making from her Happy Tea promos. According to the Instagram scheduling platform HopperHQ.com, Jenner rates number 1 on the “Instagram Rich List” with an average income of $1,000,000 per Instagram post and an estimated 139,226,677 followers.
It is not exactly clear what each and every ingredient that the social media-friendly tea contains, but according to Happy Tea’s website, each tea contains 10mg of natural hemp extracts and a “powerful blend of all natural ingredients loaded with antioxidants and CBD.” Research has shown that CBD has the potential to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, boost energy, and aid those coping with anxiety; however, scientists are still figuring out exactly how much an impact CBD can have.
In addition to these possible benefits, CBD also carries some risks. Though it’s generally safe and often well-tolerated, CBD can cause a number of potential side effects, including diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, reduced appetite, excessive drowsiness, and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications that people are taking, such as blood thinners, and cause serious reactions.
A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not a medication. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. Because these products are not regulated, another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in these goods. A recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than a quarter of the products contained less CBD than labeled. Additionally, THC was found in 18 of those products.
Without regulation, the makers of CBD products can essentially claim that the substance does almost anything. Several times this year, the FDA has had to issues warnings to multiple CBD companies that were claiming their products could treat serious diseases, such as cancer and Parkinson’s. While Happy Tea makes no such claims, there’s no research confirming what it actually does.
Influencer marketing can cause many consumers to buy products that may not be safe or effective simply because they trust the social media celebrities that are promoting it. If you’re someone that’s interested in trying CBD, talk to your health provider first and only use products from reliable and reputable sources.
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Jena Hilliard
Jena Hilliard earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida in English Literature. She has always had a passion for literature and the written word. Upon graduation, Jena found her purpose in educating the public on addiction and helping those that struggle with substance dependency find the best treatment options available.
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